Three new BMW i models announced

Three new BMW i models have been confirmed, including the i8 Roadster, a revised i3 and a brand new model called BMW i NEXT.

In 2018, the i8 will get a droptop sibling, called i8 Roadster, a version of which was revealed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas back in January as the BMW i Vision Future Interaction concept (pictured).

No details have been confirmed but sources say it will closely reflect the i8 Roadster concept first revealed in 2012, and most recently seen as a doorless version at CES.

Following the success of the i8 coupe, the i8 Roadster was an inevitable next step. Its engine and performance figures are sure to echo the coupe, which uses a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine alongside the electric motor. It has 357bhp, a 0-62mph time of 4.4sec and a top speed of 155mph.

Another confirmation by BMW is an all-new i model launched early in the next decade, to be called BMW i NEXT.

Speaking at BMW’s annual accounts press conference, Harald Kruger, chairman of the board of management at BMW AG, described the new model as the “new spearhead of innovation and technology”.

“It will enable us to take BMW i to the next level,” said Kruger. He said it will cover all aspects relevant for future cars, including autonomous driving, digital connectivity and intelligent lightweight construction as well as the next generation of electro-mobility.”

Remarking on the success of BMW i, Kruger said: “With BMW i, we have managed to very quickly create a globally known brand that embodies sustainability. Since its introduction in 2013, we have delivered more than 50,000 BMW i vehicles to customers. Today, the BMW i lineup has a larger market presence than any other electric vehicle. BMW i assumes a key role as an enabler for our BMW core brand: BMW i attracts new customers to BMW.”

BMW is quickly gaining momentum with electrified drivetrains, having already announced it will offer all BMW models with a plug-in hybrid drive operation in coming years. From July, customers will be able to choose from a total of seven BMW models that are either fully electric or fitted with a plug-in hybrid drive.

Our Verdict

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BMW i8 packs futuristic tech and looks astonishing too. Given the never ending appetite for SUVs BMW may have missed an opportunity with the i3. It's tall-ish stance would have suited SUV shape better.

Then there is the Nissan Leaf, which has never made any money either and is now in decline.

Gilded milk floats which need squillions of state subsidy to shift tiny volumes. Some revolution.

And you have inside information regarding the accounts at Nissan. In decline, that'll explain why they're investing in a new model for late next year. Can't wait for your comments regarding the BMW plug-ins, Kia EV and the Telsa model 3, even you may struggle to rubbish that, although I'm sure you'll try.

Which reveal that the Leaf has wilted somewhat in the US. And in a world where a quarter of a million units per line is barely enough to attain a slender profit, the Leaf topped out at 15,000 across all of Europe. So this car could not possibly make a profit, unless it was vastly more expensive.

And that's with the subsidies. Fact is, if the subsidies didn't exist then most EVs wouldn't, either.

I find it strange that card-carrying EV fans don't take more comfort in all of this. That is, knowing that their car is far more expensive to make than they paid for it.

By the way, the Luddites only attacked superior forms of technology. Not heavily compromised ones which needed vast hand-outs to survive. They'd have loved the EV!

In other words you've NO evidence, just ranting. Conveniently didn't counter the argument about Nissan being in it for the long term (evidence is the fact they're bring out a replacement next year) which proves there is profit to be made.

The awful sales figures are the evidence. Concrete evidence which, I might add, I have taken the trouble to quantify. I didn't need to do that; I did it as a courtesy to explain the basis of my argument. So your point that this is a "rant" is quite wrong.

I can just about comprehend why some people might be upset by the sharp decline in Nissan Leaf sales. They like the car, etc. They're fans. Good for them. But to deny the facts of the matter is bizarre indeed.

Thought you might be interested in the following (as you like selected 2016 sales information) "Nissan LEAF astonishes again in Japan! After strong January with 2,503 sales and 28th place on the top sellers list"

Where've you got the figure of a quarter of a million units per line is profitable? Two of the three Nissan plants are based at producing 50,000 a year max, so if the numbers were too low they'd shut down a production line. Given the interchangeability of the leaf lines with ICE car's they'd be able to change this over very quickly if required.